Andrew Murphy

Published: June 13, 2019

MURPHY Andrew Joseph After a sudden and brief illness, Andy left this world on June 10th, 2019 surrounded by those he loved at the age of 67. He leaves with wonderful memories his wife of 45 years Margie; their children: Corey, Kerry (Brad) and Brent (Erin) and his two grandsons: Michael and Drew that he adored. His siblings: Arnold (Anne), Gerry (Lorraine), Roy (Jeannie), Ted (Patrina), Ray, Alex (Tammy), Mary (Tom), Betty Anne (Mark), Georgina and Lori; many nephews and nieces, and too many friends to name who will forever remember him for his kind and funny spirit. His cat Hussy will miss him as much as anyone. Andy put family first and it showed in the relationship that he had with Margie. They were kindred spirits that were born to be together. After so many years he still called her his little darling. If you were fortunate to spend time with two of them together, you walked away knowing you just experienced what true love looks like. They have an indescribable love. He was a hero to his children and grandsons. He worked hard for everything he had to raise three amazing kids who are the perfect mix of him and Margie. He talked to his kids every day because it mattered to him. They would do anything for their parents and always came home to visit. Everyone is welcomed at their home. These are the things that made him proud. Andy was born on Crawley’s Island, grew up in the Cove (Mount Arlington Heights) and settled in the Bottom (Long Harbour) and that was as far away as he wanted to be from the ocean, the Trout Ponds and the Berry Hills. With the exception of one special trip to Calgary to surprise Kerry, and Saturday trips to Normans Cove with Roe to play poker with the boys, or a trip to Indian Harbour, he never cared for being away. After his family, Andy loved nature best. He knew and respected the land and water around him as well the wildlife knew and respected him. He fished his favorite spots between Henry’s Hole and Dan’s Ledge, trouted in the ponds and rivers, picked wild raspberries, bakeapples, blueberries and partridge berries, and hunted moose, birds and rabbits as the seasons allowed. His catch of the day was shared with family, friends and especially the seniors of the community. He never wanted more than he needed and took great joy in giving a meal of some sort to anyone who would appreciate it. He gave back to nature in abundance, he fed the crows every day with table scraps, had an eagle that waited for him on the point of the island as he knew there would be fish for him, delivered herring to Aunt Gladys to feed her pet gull, and had a wild loon that comes back every year to feed her babies with trout she takes from Andy’s hand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDHyL-Y962o Andy had a gentleness that animals and children could recognize. He shared his love of the outdoors with every little kid who ever wanted to learn to fish. He had a special secret with all the little ones in his family, the “money rock” was a hike in the woods and a hiding place for coins that was a special event when you found out about it. His infectious spirit for fun and enjoyment has touched many generations. If you spent time with Andy, you always left feeling like you were someone special. He knew what he liked and wasn’t one to compromise. He was honest to a fault and always spoke his truth even when his opinion wasn’t shared by others. He liked his toast done only on one side, homemade jam prepared by Margie, and lots of ice in his drink. He loved a game of crib, or just about any card game. He often joked about his poor carpentry skills but he could repair just about anything with a fish hook or a swivel. Andy’s spirit will live on forever but his presence will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to really know him. In honouring Andy’s wishes, there will not be a funeral. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled for later in the summer and then his ashes will be spread at sea where he will surely be at peace. For those that wish to pay respect to his memory, do a kindness for someone else, clean up a piece of garbage off the beach, teach a child about the importance of nature or pet an animal in his name. Remember him in happy memories and stories and talk about the impact he made.